---
title: Configure send message keys
---

import {TabItem, Tabs} from "@astrojs/starlight/components";

import FlattenedSteps from "../../components/FlattenedSteps.astro";
import NavigationSteps from "../../components/NavigationSteps.astro";
import ZulipTip from "../../components/ZulipTip.astro";
import StartComposing from "../include/_StartComposing.mdx";

import MoreVerticalIcon from "~icons/zulip-icon/more-vertical";
import SendIcon from "~icons/zulip-icon/send";

By default, the <kbd>Enter</kbd> key adds a new line to your message,
and <kbd>Ctrl</kbd> + <kbd>Enter</kbd> sends your message.

This is convenient for typing multi-line messages, which are more common in
Zulip than in most other chat products. However, you can also configure
Zulip so that the <kbd>Enter</kbd> key sends your message.

<ZulipTip>
  <kbd>Shift</kbd> + <kbd>Enter</kbd> always adds a new line, regardless
  of whether **<kbd>Enter</kbd> to send** is enabled.
</ZulipTip>

## Configure send message keys

<Tabs>
  <TabItem label="Via compose box">
    <FlattenedSteps>
      <StartComposing />

      1. Click on the **ellipsis** (<MoreVerticalIcon />)
         in the bottom right corner of the compose box, next to the **Send**
         (<SendIcon />) button.
      1. Toggle your preferred option for **Press ... to send**.
    </FlattenedSteps>
  </TabItem>

  <TabItem label="Via personal settings">
    <FlattenedSteps>
      <NavigationSteps target="settings/preferences" />

      1. Under **General**, toggle **<kbd>Enter</kbd> sends when composing a message**.
    </FlattenedSteps>
  </TabItem>
</Tabs>

## Related articles

* [Message formatting](/help/format-your-message-using-markdown)
* [Preview messages before sending](/help/preview-your-message-before-sending)
* [Mastering the compose box](/help/mastering-the-compose-box)
